§ 98. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether, having regard to the fact that our present food rations are largely due to enemy submarine, warfare and to the fact that our own prisoners in Germany have still smaller rations, he will at once, without waiting for the decision of any committee, at least put the German prisoners in this country on an equality with ourselves in the matter of food?
§ 72. Mr. HANCOCKasked the quantity of bread, meat, and sugar allowed per day to each interned German and to each German prisoner?
Mr. J. HOPEAs I stated yesterday, a new scale of rations for German prisoners, combatant and civilian, will be issued immediately as an Army Council Instruction. I have no power myself to fix rations for any description of prisoner.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSWill the hon. Gentleman relieve the feeling of the country by stating when the new scale is to be put in force?
Mr. SHIRLEY BENNBefore it is put in force, will it be submitted to the House of Commons to see that the rations are not in excess of what the Germans allow British prisoners?
Mr. HOPEI understand that it is to be put in force at the earliest possible date, and I take it that the hon. Member does not want any delay.
§ Sir F. LOWEWill the German officers who are prisoners be in a position to buy out of their private resources food over and above the rations allowed?
Mr. HOPEAs I answered yesterday, the case of the officers is quite distinct. Hitherto they have bought their own food, but now they will not be allowed to buy 1329 more bread, meat, and sugar than the rations Lord Devonport recommends. Other food they will still be able to buy.
§ Mr. G. FABERWill they be able to buy other food without limit?
Mr. THORNEDoes that mean that they will be allowed to buy more than the ordinary rations and that other people will have to run short?